Twist and shout: How Florida's theme parks bring out the dare-devil in all of us

By Stephen Wright for the Daily Mail
Updated: 12:53 EST, 30 September 2011

But then my daughters ratcheted up the fear quotient by suggesting we switch to another queue to have a guaranteed place in the front row of The Incredible Hulk Coaster, one of the most daunting rides at Universal's Islands of Adventures, in Orlando, Florida.

Death-defying roller coasters don't hold the appeal they once did for me. But before I had time to talk Gaby, 13, and Franki, 11, out of it, their taunts of 'chicken' had left me with no option.

People were staring. British spirit was at stake. And, anyway, Orlando is about letting yourself go. In fact, before flying out, a relative texted me to say: 'Have a great time. Let the kid in you out.'

Fun with a twist: The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventures may leave you green

It was good advice. After surviving the Incredible Hulk, I immersed myself in everything the Universal and Disney theme parks had to offer.

In the Islands of Adventure, one of two parks run by Universal, you can find the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with Hogwarts Castle, whose halls you can tour on the epic Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride.

Our guide book said the waiting time for the attraction was four hours last summer, and we came prepared with bottles of water and towels. In the end, we had to wait 'only' 60 minutes.

I won't spoil your fun by explaining exactly what happens, but just imagine what it's like to play Quidditch or bump into the mouths of giant spiders and dragons. We all agreed it alone was worth the park's entrance fee.

Magical: Universal's Wizarding World Of Harry Potter brings J. K. Rowling's successful books to life

Meanwhile, in the adjacent Universal Studios theme park, we enjoyed going on attractions such as The Simpsons, Men in Black and gloriously named Revenge of the Mummy.

Of course, no trip to Florida would be the same without visiting Disney's various attractions. Start at Magic Kingdom, the park that best sums up the ethos of Disney.

Forty years since it opened, it remains hugely popular and we were there at opening time to avoid long queues. Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain were enormous fun, and we later saw a colourful parade outside the Cinderella Castle.

Despite being one of the smallest theme parks, it was still not possible to get through all the rides suitable for our children in just one day. There is that much to do.

The same applies to Disney's Epcot Centre, which combines entertainment with education and an environmental message. The stand-out attraction is Mission Space, a simulated rocket launch, and the hilarious but exhilarating Test Track, with its high-speed finale.

Colourful: The firework display over the castle at Disney's Magic Kingdom is a sight not to be missed

Don't miss Spaceship Earth, a time travel ride through the technological ages, while the Universe of Energy - a 45-minute show and ride looking at the creation and use of fuels since the age of dinosaurs - is strongly recommended.

Holidays to Orlando are not cheap, certainly during the peak summer months, but in the context of the memories you take away with you, we thought it real value for money.

A two-park bonus ticket for Universal, which can be used for 14 consecutive days, will set you back £100 for an adult (£89 for children aged three to nine).

Disney's Seven-Day Premium Ticket (which can be used over a fortnight) gives unlimited access to Walt Disney World parks and restricted access to other attractions including water theme parks, costs £220 for an adult (£193 for children).

Walking around huge theme parks is exhausting, so the water parks are a welcome distraction. Our favourite was Disney's Blizzard Beach, with the ultra-daunting Summit Plummet water slide, which rockets you down a ski jump at up to 60mph.

Having a ball: Epcot's Spaceship Earth attraction is a time travel ride which screams through the ages

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, fringed with white beaches and palm trees, is worth a visit, if only to get drenched by the huge waves that erupt every few minutes from a ship-wrecked vessel in the middle of the park.

We stayed in a well-appointed, spacious villa, booked through Tropical Sky, within half-an-hour's drive of the main parks. It had its own swimming pool and terrace.

With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a huge living/kitchen/ breakfast area and TV room all rolled into one, there was plenty of room to rest our weary legs. Friends had raised eyebrows on hearing we were spending a fortnight in Orlando, but it worked perfectly.

One day, we drove two hours to Sarasota on the Gulf Coast, where we had a seafood lunch, walked along the beach and looked around antique shops. And because we had a car, we were able to sample some of the fine restaurants that can be found in Orlando.

One of the most impressive things about Orlando was the dedication of theme park staff. It really was as if every day was their first day at work, such is the welcome you receive.

Whether you are a child or adult, the atmosphere is infectious. Just ask the middle-aged British dad who got dragged on to the Incredible Hulk ride by his dare-devil daughters.

Travel Facts

Tropical Sky, 0844 332 9349, www.tropicalsky.co.uk has a seven-night family holiday in Orlando, Florida, from £499pp including flights, self-catering accommodation in a three-bedroom Disney Area Homes Villa and car hire.

Disney theme park tickets: www.disney world.disney.go.com. Universal: www.universalorlando.co.uk